Folding decorative device

ABSTRACT

A foldable structure including a base having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. A frame is secured about the shaft and has a perimeter defining an interior space. A first inner member is rotatably secured to the shaft. The first inner member has an outer perimeter that fits within the frame perimeter. The first inner member has a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the frame. The first inner member has a second position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed outside of the inner perimeter of the frame and the frame and first inner member lie in different planes.

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/731,438 filed Sep. 14, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Seasonal ornaments and decorations are typically stored most of the year and brought out for a particular occasion. Certain decorative items such as Christmas trees can be difficult to set up and disassemble. In addition, they can take up considerable storage space. Various designs are known in the art for reducing the storage space of Christmas trees. However, these designs typically require the various elements to engage each other upon folding which misshapes the tree.

In addition, being able to fold a decorative device such that it takes up a minimal amount of space allows for cost effective shipping and stocking. Accordingly, it would be desirable to present a decorative device such as a Christmas tree, which is easy to assemble and takes up a minimal amount of stored space.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a foldable structure including a base having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. A frame is secured about the shaft and has a perimeter defining an interior space. A first inner member is rotatably secured to the shaft. The first inner member has an outer perimeter that fits within the frame perimeter. The first inner member has a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the frame. The first inner member has a second position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed outside of the inner perimeter of the frame, and the frame and first inner member lie in different planes.

The present disclosure further provides a foldable decorative tree including a base having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. A frame is secured about the shaft and having a perimeter defining an interior space. A first inner member is rotatably secured to the shaft. The first inner member has an outer perimeter that fits within the frame perimeter. The first inner member has a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the frame. The first inner member has a second position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed outside of the inner perimeter of the frame and the frame and first inner member lie in different planes. A locking apparatus is provided that restricts the rotation of the first inner member in a predetermined position relative to the frame.

The present disclosure further provides a foldable decorative structure including a base having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom. A frame is secured about the shaft and having a perimeter defining an interior space. A first inner member is rotatably secured to the shaft. The first inner member has an outer perimeter that fits within the frame perimeter. The first inner member has a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the frame. The first inner member has a second position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed outside of the inner perimeter of the frame and the frame and first inner member lie in different planes. A second inner member is rotatably secured to the shaft. The second inner member has an outer perimeter, and wherein the second inner member has a first position wherein an outer perimeter of the second inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the first inner member. The frame and first and second inner members have an open position wherein the frame and first and second inner members each lie in a different plane and a closed position wherein the frame and first and second inner members each lie in substantially the same plane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the foldable decorative device of the present disclosure showing the device in a closed or folded state.

FIGS. 2A-C are elevational views of the decorative device of FIG. 1 showing the device transitioning from a closed state to an open or unfolded state.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view showing an embodiment of the decorative device.

FIG. 4 is a detailed elevational view showing a plurality of separate outer frames and inner members.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a decorative device in a closed state.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the decorative device of FIG. 5 in an opened state.

FIG. 7A is an elevational view showing an embodiment of the decorative device in a closed state.

FIG. 7B is a detail view of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view showing the embodiment of the decorative device of FIG. 7A in an open state.

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the decorative device wherein separate rotatable inner members are joined together by pivot devices.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are elevational views of pivot devices with a rotational locking apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a locking apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With references to FIGS. 1-4, a foldable decorative device 10 is shown. The device may be in the form of a decorative or ornamental device such as a Christmas tree as shown in the drawing figures. However, it is within the contemplation of the present disclosure that the device 10 is not limited to any particular shape or design.

The decorative device 10 may include an outer frame 12 having an inner perimeter 14 which defines an inner open space 16. The outer frame 12 may be formed of metal wire, plastic, wood, or other material, which can maintain a desired shape. The outer frame 12 may be supported on a base 18. The base 18 may have a configuration to support the decorative device 10 on a support surface such as a floor or tabletop. A pole or shaft 20 may extend generally orthogonally from the base 18 terminating at a distal top end 19. The outer frame 12 may be rotatably secured to the shaft 20. The shaft 20 extends along a vertical axis of rotation Y-Y. In an alternative embodiment, the outer frame 12 may be fixed to the base 18 such that it does not rotate relative thereto.

The decorative device 10 may further include one or more inner members 22, which are pivotally secured to the base 18. The inner members 22 may rotate relative to the frame 12. The inner members 22 may include an outer perimeter 24 having a configuration which fits inside the space 16 formed by the outer frame 12. In one embodiment, the outer perimeter 24 can have a shape substantially the same as the shape of the outer frame inner perimeter 14 as shown in FIGS. 2A-C. However, it is within the contemplation of the present disclosure that the shapes and configurations of the inner perimeter 14 and outer perimeter 24 may be different from each other.

The inner member 22 may be sized smaller than the outer frame 12 such that it can fit within the outer frame 12. The inner member 22 may be rotatable relative to the outer frame 12 such that it can assume a closed or storage position wherein the frame perimeter 14 aligns with and nests within the inner member perimeter 24 and space 16 as shown in FIG. 1. The inner member 22 may also be rotatable relative to the frame 12 toward an open or display position wherein the inner member 22 extends out of the space 16. A fully open position may be wherein a planar surface P1 defined by the inner member 22 is offset from a planar surface P2 defined by the frame 12 as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2C and 8.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the decorative device 10 may include a plurality of inner members 22 a and 22 b, with each inner member being rotatably secured to the shaft 20. Each inner member may define a space 16. The outer perimeters 24 a and 24 b of the inner members are progressively smaller as the radial extent of the members are disposed closer to the shaft 20. For example, inner member 22 b has a lesser radial extent than inner member 22 a. This permits the inner members to freely nest within each other and also within the outer frame 12. Therefore, in a closed position the frame 12 and all the inner members 22 a, 22 b lie substantially flat in the same plane. The inner member 22 b may be rotated independent of inner member 22 a and frame 12. This permits each inner member 22 a and 22 b and the frame 12 to be positioned in their own orientation lying in three different planes, with each plane being offset from the other, when the decorative device is in the open or display position.

It is further contemplated that the innermost member may have a perimeter defining an open space or may be a substantially solid planar member including decorative images or elements thereon.

When the decorative device 10 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1, the outer perimeter of the inner member may conform closely to the portion of the outer frame from which it is opposed. However, as shown in FIGS. 4, and 6-7, it is contemplated that the configurations of the perimeter of the inner member and the adjacent outer frame be different. It is desirable that the configuration of the outer perimeter of the inner member 24 be such that it can fit within the shape of the perimeter of the adjacent outer frame 12 to allow the device 10 to be fully closed substantially flat.

As set forth above, the shaft 20 extends from the base 18. In one embodiment, the base 18 may include two generally U-shaped members with an upper base member 50 disposed above the lower base member 52. In one embodiment, the upper base member 50 may be secured to the outer frame 12 and the lower base member 52 may be secured to the shaft 20. The lower base member 52 may be rotated relative to the upper base member 50 such that it may be moved from the folded position wherein it is generally parallel with the upper member (FIG. 1) to an open position where it is substantially orthogonal to the upper member (FIGS. 2B and 2C). In the open position, the stand provides a stable base for the decorative device 10. Alternatively, the base could be a non-folding structure removable from the shaft 20 for storage purposes.

In order to allow for the inner members 22 to rotate, each inner member 22 a and 22 b may have a pivot device 40 having an opening 42 (FIG. 10C) to receive the shaft 20. The pivot device 40 may be a tubular member with the opening sized to closely receive the shaft. The inner member 22 may be secured to a plurality of pivot devices 40 each having an opening extending therethrough to receive the shaft. As shown in FIG. 4, the innermost member 22 b may be secured to one pivot device 40 and the other inner member 22 a may be secured to two spaced pivot devices 40. The outer frame 12 may also be secured to two spaced pivot devices 40. The cooperation between the shaft 20 and the pivot devices 40 permits the inner member(s) to rotate relative to the shaft 20 and to each other as well as the outer frame 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pivot device 40 may be one long tube attached to the top and bottom of the inner member. In this embodiment, the outer frame 12 may be secured to two spaced pivot devices 40. The outer frame 12 may have a pivot device 40 at the top and bottom to receive the shaft 20 and allow for rotation. The hinge device 40 can be formed of a number of materials, for example, a polymer, such as PVC plastic, metal or wood. This listing is intended to be exemplary and not limiting.

It is contemplated that the inner member 22 may include a plurality of decorative elements each secured to a pivot device. With reference to FIG. 4, the inner member 22 may be formed of multiple design elements 22 a-c and vertically spaced from each other. Each inner member 22 may be secured to a pivot device 40 disposed about the center shaft 20. The pivot devices 40 may join adjacent inner members. Therefore, all the members 22 a-c are joined together and will rotate about the shaft together as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, each decorative inner member 22 may be separate from the other (see e.g. FIG. 4), therefore permitting the inner members 22 to be individually rotated. This can be used to create different shapes to achieve a particular desired aesthetic effect.

With reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, in order to selectively restrict the rotation of the frame and inner members, the device 10 may include a locking apparatus 60. The locking apparatus 60 locks the inner member 22 in the open and closed position condition such that the decorative device 10 maintains the desired position. The locking apparatus 60 may include mechanically engaging elements formed on adjacent pivot devices 40 a and 40 b. One pivot device may include a protruding knob or tab 62 and the adjacent pivot device 40 b may include a recessed notch or slot 64. The inner member secured to pivot device 40 a with the tab 62 may be rotated such that the tab 62 sits within the slot 64, thereby locking the inner member into a particular position, such as the open or closed position. In order to remove the tab 62 from the slot 64, and thus permitting rotation, one may lift up on the inner member along the axis of rotation to remove the tab 62 from the slot 64 and then rotate the inner member to the desired position.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the locking apparatus 60 may include a spring-loaded detent 70 having a spring 74 acting on a captured ball 76 formed in one of the pivot devices 40. The ball 76 is configured to engage a recess 72 formed in the shaft 20. Rotating the inner member relative to the shaft will overcome the spring force and permit the inner member to rotate. It is within the contemplation of the present disclosure that other known manners of selectively restricting rotation about a shaft could be employed.

The decorative device 10 may be formed of a plurality of segments to help facilitate assembly and disassembly of the decorative device 10. With reference to FIG. 12, the decorative device may be separable, for example, into three sections, a top 80, middle 82, and bottom 84. Each section may have one or more outer frames 12 forming a space 16 for receiving inner members 22, in a manner as described above. The inner section may be secured to a pivot device 96 that allows the inner members to rotate relative to the outer frames 12. This permits the inner member to be moved between an open or display position and a closed or storage position. Each section includes a central shaft 90, which is connectable to the shaft 90 of an adjacent section. The connection may be made by having the end of one shaft have a portion 92 that fits within a receptacle 94 the adjacent shaft. Alternatively, a collar or other joining element could be provided to permit the adjacent shaft to be removably connected. The connection may permit the adjacent section to rotated relative to each other. Alternatively, the connection may prevent rotation, e.g., by way of non-round connecting elements or one or more set screws. In this embodiment, the inner members 22 of each section may rotate independent of each other.

While the device 10 has been described as a decorative element such as a Christmas tree, it is also contemplated that the features of this invention could also be applied to non-decorative devices where space saving storage and ease of setup are desired.

While there have been described what is presently believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will realize that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A foldable structure comprising: a base having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom; a frame secured about the shaft and having a perimeter defining an interior space; and a first inner member rotatably secured to the shaft, the first inner member having an outer perimeter that fits within the frame perimeter, the first inner member having a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the frame, and the first inner member having a second position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed outside of the inner perimeter of the frame and the frame and first inner member lie in different planes.
 2. The structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the first inner member as secured to a first pivot device having an opening the shaft extending through the first pivot member opening.
 3. The structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the first inner member is secured to a plurality of pivot members each having an opening extending therethrough.
 4. The structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the first inner member has an inner perimeter defining a space, and a second inner member is rotatably secured to the shaft, the second inner member having an outer perimeter, and wherein the second inner member has a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the second inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the first inner member, and the frame and first and second inner members lie in substantially the same plane.
 5. The structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the second inner member is secured to a pivot device having an opening extending therethrough to receive the shaft.
 6. The structure as defined in claim 5, wherein the inner member pivot device is disposed between pivot device of the first inner member.
 7. The structure as defined in claim 2, wherein a locking apparatus restricts the rotation of the first inner member in a predetermined position relative to the frame.
 8. The structure as defined in claim 7, wherein the frame includes a shaft receiver non-pivotally secured thereto, and the locking apparatus includes a mechanical engagement between the shaft receiver and the inner member pivot device to restrict relative rotation.
 9. The structure as defined in claim 8, wherein the inner member pivot device is translatable along an axis of rotation relative to the shaft receiver and the mechanical engagement between the shaft receiver and the inner member pivot device is overcome.
 10. The structure as defined in claim 1, wherein the frame has an outer perimeter forming the shape of a tree.
 11. The foldable decorative tree as defined in claim 1, wherein a plurality and the frame and the first inner member lie in the same plane when in the first position.
 12. A foldable decorative tree comprising: a base having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom; a frame secured about the shaft and having a perimeter defining an interior space; and a first inner member rotatably secured to the shaft, the first inner member having an outer perimeter that fits within the frame perimeter, the first inner member having a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the frame, and the first inner member having a second position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed outside of the inner perimeter of the frame and the frame and first inner member lie in different planes; and a locking apparatus restricting the rotation of the first inner member in a predetermined position relative to the frame.
 13. The foldable decorative tree as defined in claim 12, wherein and the frame and the first inner member lie in the same plane when in the first position.
 14. The foldable decorative tree as defined in claim 12, wherein the shaft is formed of a plurality of elongate shaft members removabley joinable to each other.
 15. The foldable decorative tree as defined in claim 14, wherein the frame is formed of a plurality of frame members and each shaft member includes one of the plurality of frame members connected thereto.
 16. The foldable decorative tree as defined in claim 15, including a plurality of first inner members each shaft member includes one of the plurality of first inner members connected thereto.
 17. The foldable decorative tree as defined in claim 16, including a plurality of second inner members, and each shaft member includes one of the plurality of second inner members connected thereto.
 18. The foldable decorative tree as defined in claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of first inner members has an inner perimeter defining a space, and each of the second inner member has an outer perimeter, and wherein each second inner member has a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the second inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the first inner member, and the frame and first and second inner members lie in substantially the same plane.
 19. A foldable decorative structure comprising: a base having a shaft extending outwardly therefrom; a frame secured about the shaft and having a perimeter defining an interior space; a first inner member rotatably secured to the shaft, the first inner member having an outer perimeter that fits within the frame perimeter, the first inner member having a first position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the frame, and the first inner member having a second position wherein the outer perimeter of the first inner member is disposed outside of the inner perimeter of the frame and the frame and first inner member lie in different planes; and a second inner member rotatably secured to the shaft, the second inner member having an outer perimeter, and wherein the second inner member has a first position wherein an outer perimeter of the second inner member is disposed within the inner perimeter of the first inner member, and wherein the frame and first and second inner members have an open position wherein the frame and first and second inner members each lie in a different plane and a closed position wherein the frame and first and second inner members each lie in substantially the same plane. 